Rebecca, I was just introduced to your book and blog by Carol Gillott of Paris Breakfasts. I thoroughly enjoyed your book!

I've read many of your archived posts, and feel a certain kinship with you. I'm also a Southern girl who's a bit of a Francophile. I, too, sent my daughter off to college this year, and am left with 2 sons at home and Sports Center 24/7. I'm adjusting well thanks to texting and an ongoing, online Scrabble game with her. But I do miss my girl!

We took a mother-daughter trip to Paris during Spring Break last year with two of her friends, their mothers, and two grandmothers. It was the most wonderful, memory-making trip. One of the grandmothers had moved her family to France from Texas, much like you did (but 35 years ago!). Her husband also worked for a tire company, I think Bridgestone or Firestone. She has kept up with a few French friends and while we were there took a day trip to Le Harve to see them and show her granddaughter where her mother lived for several years. I can't wait to share your book with them!

Thank you for the poignant tribute to Molly and the link to the essay by Vaughn CroweTipton. I couldn't agree with him more. The good in this fallen world comes from God, and it makes me crazy when other Christians, especially those in the public eye, make comments like Pat Robertson did. Haiti deserves an outpouring of love and prayers from all of us.

Thanks Jama, Jennifer, and T Anne! Sam has now been diagnosed with strep, so hopefully the drugs will kick in soon.

lstephens, thanks for your comment! I'm so happy that you enjoyed my book. It sounds like we're living the same life. An ongoing online Scrabble game? What a great idea! And I'm glad you liked the essay from Vaughn. He's a great guy and I'm so happy he took the time to write it. It's good to respond when people say crazy, warped things in the name of God. Hugs to you!

What a sweetheart! Hope Sam is feeling better soon. And, thanks SO much for answering everyone's question (including mine) about why the Sounds of Music Gazebo in Salzburg stays locked! Fascinating!! :-)

And congrats to you for winning the Shrinking Violets contest; you get to pick the Haiti charity.(See bottom of today's post:)http://shrinkingvioletpromotions.blogspot.com/2010/01/interview-with-nancy-ancowtiz-part-i-of.html

Kim, thanks.I agree. Cats are great for this too. I remember one night I had an allergic reaction to some medicine. I broke out in hives and stayed up all night, going mad, wanting so badly to scratch off all my skin. Katie our cat stayed up with me, on my lap, trying to lick my face. It's such a nice memory of her.

I've moved!

About Me

I'm happy to be the Minister to Children at First Baptist Church, Greenville, South Carolina. I'm also an author, a teacher, a mom, and Chief Wrangler of Tanner the Slobber Dog and Libby the Murderous Cat. I search my crazy life for God's fingerprints, and then I write about them. I also drink coffee, fight piles of dirty laundry, and dream of French pastries.

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My most favorite quote in the whole wide world

"There is no event so commonplace but that God is present within it, always hiddenly, always leaving you room to recognize him or not to recognize him, but all the more fascinatingly because of that, all the more compellingly and hauntingly...

Listen to your life. See it for the fathomless mystery that it is. In the boredom and pain of it no less than in the excitement and gladness: touch, taste, smell your way to the holy and hidden heart of it because in the last analysis all moments are key moments, and life itself is grace."Frederick Buechner

A Psalm For You From Edwina Gately

Be silent.Be still.Wait before your God.Say nothing.Ask nothing.Be still.Let your God look upon you.That is all. God knows.God understands.God loves you with an enormous love.God only wants to look upon you with love.Quiet.Still.Be.Let your God love you.